goodman

¹ American  

[good-muhn] / ˈgʊd mən /

noun

Archaic.

plural

goodmen

1. the master of a household; husband.

2. (initial capital letter) a title of respect used for a man below the rank of gentleman, especially a farmer or yeoman.

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Goodman ² American  

[good-muhn] / ˈgʊd mən /

noun

1. Benjamin David Benny, 1909–86, U.S. jazz clarinetist and bandleader.

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goodman ¹ British  

/ ˈɡʊdmən /

noun

1. a husband

2. a man not of gentle birth: used as a title

3. a master of a household

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Goodman ² British  

/ ˈɡʊdmən /

noun

1. Benny, full name Benjamin David Goodman. 1909–86, US jazz clarinetist and bandleader, whose treatment of popular songs created the jazz idiom known as swing

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Etymology

Origin of goodman

Middle English word dating back to 1125–75; good, -man

Example Sentences

Both Manuel Quezon and goodman Osme�a were mum last week.

From Time Magazine Archive

But at that word the goodman, who had snatched up a thatching stake, paused on the threshold.

From Sophia A Romance by Weyman, Stanley John

"Where gott'st thou that news, goodman Doubletongue?" said the schoolmaster, with considerable asperity in his manner, "and how came you to take upon yourself to promulgate, disseminate, and divulge such a fable?"

From William Shakespeare as he lived. An Historical Tale by Curling, Henry

He begged her not to move, and asked if the goodman was at home.

From Sophia A Romance by Weyman, Stanley John

There, blocking up the doorway of the latticed and green-painted tenement, was the figure of goodman Matthew; and the little bandy-legged pippin-faced gardener was coolly resting on his spade while he addressed his master within.

From Judith Shakespeare Her love affairs and other adventures by Black, William

Related Words

• head of the house
• householder